Our Actions - 2015

United Way Campaign 2015

December 2015

With a whopping 90 per cent participation rate and over $37,500 donated by staff, another successful United Way Campaign wraps up at Manitoba Blue Cross. We're proud to contribute to the United Way and to our community. All told, Manitoba Blue Cross raised nearly $73,000 for the 2015 campaign with the corporate matching program.

Day of Caring 2015

December 8, 2015

Manitoba Blue Cross staff had a chance to see just how bright the season can be with an opportunity to volunteer for the Pregnancy and Family Support Services (PFSS) holiday party on December 8th. First, MBC staff donated brand-new items such as toys, baby clothes and items for the parents, collecting 13 boxes of presents for the party guests. Then a team of volunteers decorated and packed the gifts for the event.

A non-profit agency dedicated to supporting the community, the PFSS has three facilities around the Spence and Sargent neighbourhood including a community and resource centre, thrift shop and childcare centre.

Six Manitoba Blue Cross staff members volunteered to help prepare for the party and had the opportunity to visit the facilities. Ewa Flay, Manitoba Blue Cross Day of Caring Co-chair and volunteer, describes hearing about the impact of United Way giving to the PFSS: "A lady extended her thanks to the program for helping the agency while we were visiting the thrift shop. She was in tears."

Volunteers helped decorate the hall, complete with a tree, and sort the presents into boxes for each family, ensuring each person would receive a gift. Roughly 170 people came for the dinner and night of fun and wonder, complete with a visit from Santa.

"It was great to see the transition from when we first entered the hall to when we left, how festive and amazing it looked," said United Way Day of Caring Co-chair, Daryl Evans.

United Way Campaign Kickoff Plane Pull

September 18, 2015

The annual United Way Campaign Kickoff Plane Pull was graced with mock rock star royalty by Manitoba Blue Cross staff. The group pulled the Boeing 727 aircraft in their best 'rocker' gear, dressed as 'Joan GenX and the Bluehearts', their roadie crew and fans. The spirited bunch managed to cross the finish line in a respectable 12.72 seconds at Red River College's Stevenson Campus. The United Way Campaign Week will take off October 19-23 at Manitoba Blue Cross.

FMG Manitoba Dragon Boat Festival

September 12, 2015

The Blues Paddlers dug deep for a great cause at the 2015 FMG Manitoba Dragon Boat Festival. Overall, the team raised more than $4,600 for Manitoba children living with cancer. All funds raised go towards supporting CancerCare Manitoba and The Children's Hospital Foundation of Manitoba. Beautiful weather and fun abounded at The Forks as the Blues Paddlers placed in the middle of the pack. Times were 2:11, 2:05 and 2:03 for each of the three races, respectively. Congratulations, team!

MS Biking to the Viking

August 24, 2015

Despite severe thunderstorms hampering the MS Biking to the Viking charity bicycle ride over half way to Gimli and cancelling the return trip back, the spirits of the Blue Cross Riders weren't dampened. All told, the team raised over $6,600 for multiple sclerosis research, support and services through the MS Society. Manitoba Blue Cross congratulates the team for their fundraising success and for their bravery on the stormy ride.

Winnipeg Airports Authority's 'Grow a Row for Winnipeg Harvest'

June 2015

Manitoba Blue Cross has started a rooftop garden in support of the Winnipeg Airports Authority's challenge, 'Grow a Row for Winnipeg Harvest'. Staff is growing beets and carrots for the initiative, which is in its 20th year and has resulted in over 40,000 pounds of vegetables. Anyone with a garden should consider growing an extra row of veggies for Winnipeg Harvest. A little bit goes a long way!

Commuter Challenge

June 1 - June 5, 2015

The first week of June marks the Commuter Challenge, a National program encouraging Canadians to reduce their carbon footprint by walking, cycling, taking the bus, or carpooling to work. A number of Manitoba Blue Cross staff participated in the challenge, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 307 kg and resulting in 20,137 calories being burned!

Riverview Health Centre Foundation's Cycle on Life

June 7, 2015

The Riverview Health Centre Foundation's 17th annual Cycle on Life was held on June 7 with funds directed towards upgrading the centre's Alzheimer's and dementia units. Participants cycled either 25 km or 65 km in support of the event. Manitoba Blue Cross staff participated alongside a number of other organizations and the event as a whole raised a grand total of over $140,000 for Riverview Health Centre Foundation.

Omand's Creek Clean-up

May 2015

On May 23, the annual Omand's Creek Clean-up took place and Manitoba Blue Cross staff once again pitched in to support our local community and surrounding environment. Employees picked up trash along the creek, a tributary to the Assiniboine River, helping to reduce pollution and protect the habitat of several species of fish, birds and other animals.

MS Walk

May 2015

Over 1,700 walkers from 154 Winnipeg-based teams descended upon The Forks on May 3 to help raise awareness and vital funds for the MS Society and the over 100,000 Canadians living with multiple sclerosis. The Blue Cross Walkers were there with over 50 registered participants who raised more than $3,000 towards research and support services.